Victoria’s National Business Event Program is back: Applications Now Open – Cash grants available to offset organisers costs for business events hosted in Melbourne and regional Victoria –

Applications are now open for the next round of the National Business Events Program, offering eligible event organisers cash grants to offset costs for hosting events anywhere in Victoria. The third round of the funding initiative aims to sustain growing momentum across the business events sector.

With funding amounts up to $80,000 per applicant to hold business events in Melbourne, plus grants available up to $40,000 per applicant to hold events in regional Victoria between 1 December 2022 and 31 December 2024, event organisers Australia-wide are encouraged to apply.

Administered by the Melbourne Convention Bureau and Business Events Victoria for the regional arm of the program, eligible events include conferences, trade exhibitions, association meetings as well as corporate meetings and incentive group events with a business event program.

Cash grants offered can be put towards accommodation, venue hire, transport and other event costs such as marketing and promotion.

The National Business Events Program which launched in 2021 thanks to support from the Victorian Government, has already supported more than 90 business events, with events hosted across 2022 and 2023 expected to attract 33,000 delegates to Victoria and inject $108 million into the local economy.

MCB Chief Executive Julia Swanson said the funding initiative has provided a much-needed lift to the business events sector, building confidence with planners and key decision makers right across Australia to plan and book their events in Victoria.

“It’s been instrumental in guiding and driving recovery of the sector from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, boosting demand, supporting our local supply chain, and providing planners and key decision-makers with the confidence to plan and book their events in Melbourne.

“We have worked closely with Business Events Victoria (BEV) who will administer the regional arm of the program, which is designed to stimulate short- and medium-term recovery of the business events sector right across our state,” said Ms. Swanson.

BEV Executive Officer Chris Porter said business events are a critical driver for the visitor economy in regional Victoria, as they promote visitation to our regions outside the traditional peak periods.

“The business events sector has been one of the hardest hit and still continues to be impacted, as confidence slowly returns to the sector. The entire business events eco system has been affected and this funding will support and encourage more businesses to get out there and host more events.

“Working collaboratively with the Melbourne Convention Bureau in the delivery of this program positions the entire state as a leader nationally for business events,” said Mr Porter.

Grants are available for a limited time with applications closing 5pm Wednesday 30th September 2022.

Application and eligibility details are available here